developed new guidance content on children’s rights for its
business.gov.au resource.28
55. In early 2016, the Australian Government committed to progress national
consultations on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles (UNGPs)
on Business and Human Rights in Australia. As part of this process, a
stocktake of business and human rights was undertaken and a MultiStakeholder Advisory Group convened to provide expert advice on the
implementation of the UNGPs.
56. In its final report, the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group recommended
that the Australian Government develop a National Action Plan on
Business and Human Rights which sets out the concrete steps it will take
to implement the UNGPs, including its expectations of business and other
stakeholders regarding their conduct in Australia and abroad, and what
support it will provide in helping them meet those expectations.29 It is
essential that children’s rights are reflected in this National Action Plan and
children participate in its development.
Recommendation 13: The Australian Government develops a National
Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, in consultation with key
stakeholders, and that it includes measures addressing children’s rights
particularly exploitation and trafficking in supply chains.
3
General principles
3.1
Non-discrimination
(a)
Sex discrimination
57. Women and girls make up just over half of the Australian population
(50.7%). 30 Despite achievements in the quest for gender equality over
recent decades, Australian girls experience the impact of discrimination in
a number of key areas:
•
Girls are less engaged with, and outperformed by boys in school
subjects such as mathematics, which results in fewer women choosing
careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.31
•
Sixteen per cent of 15–17 year olds reported experiencing sexual
harassment in the 2018 National Sexual Harassment Survey.32
11